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Christine Fréchette Elected CAQ Leader, Becomes Quebec Premier-Designate

Her win signals a fast pivot for a party stuck in single-digit support ahead of the Oct. 5 election.

Overview

  • Fréchette won the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership Sunday in Drummondville, defeating Bernard Drainville to succeed François Legault.
  • Party figures reported by CityNews put her at 57.9% of votes cast by 15,833 members in the internal race.
  • She will be the first woman to lead the CAQ and only the second woman to serve as Quebec premier.
  • She is expected to be sworn in before the National Assembly resumes, with some outlets reporting Monday and others saying the date is not yet set.
  • The former economy and immigration minister faces steep headwinds, with polls placing the CAQ below 10% and the provincial election set for Oct. 5, and she has pledged a centrist focus on the economy, housing, health care access, and a new debate on shale gas.